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Revenge Porn (n.): When betrayal goes viral

We all know that heartbreak and the Internet can be a dangerous mix. But what happens when a former flame goes online for payback? It’s called revenge porn, and becoming a victim of it is the stuff nightmares are made of. Unfortunately, in today’s digital world, more and more people are living this horrific reality. Here we define revenge porn, explore why it’s so prevalent in today’s society and discuss what’s being done about it.

What Is It & How Is It Defined?

Revenge porn, also known as non-consensual pornography, refers to digitally distributing nude or sexually explicit photos or videos of someone without his or her consent. These photos or videos are often shared to “get even” after a breakup or are used to blackmail a current or former romantic partner.

Under Canadian law, revenge porn is a form of sexual abuse—plain and simple. Like any kind of abuse, revenge porn is about the abuser’s need for power and control over the victim. The ultimate goal is to shame and manipulate.

In some cases, the victim has willingly shared intimate images with his or her partner while they were together. In other cases, the victim was coerced into creating this material or was unknowingly photographed or recorded. No matter how the images came to be, even in cases where the victim willingly created or shared the material with his or her partner, it’s still a crime to share the images without consent.

Some Stats

A 2013 survey conducted by US Internet security company, McAffe, found that 1 in 10 adults between the ages of 18 and 54 had a partner threaten to post intimate photos of them online. In 2017, company documents were leaked from Facebook that stated the social media site had received more than 51,000 reports of revenge porn in the month of January alone. That’s more than one report every minute.

Why Is It So Common?

Revenge porn and the Internet go hand in hand. With practically everyone carrying a smartphone, creating and sharing sexually explicit material has never been easier, and the Internet gives perpetrators a sense of anonymity, so many feel emboldened to take this kind of digital revenge. Perpetrators can create an account within minutes, instantly reaching a global audience and gaining direct access to their victim’s family, friends and colleagues. Once that content is online, it’s very difficult to remove.

Also, because so many revenge porn victims blame themselves or don’t know where to go for help, many cases go unreported. And in cases that involve minors, victims are even less likely to report the crime, fearing they will end up in trouble at home or risk retaliation from their peers. Therefore, many perpetrators go unpunished. Fortunately, victims of this crime now have more support and recourse than ever before, and more and more perpetrators are facing criminal charges and jail time.

What Is Our Legal System Doing About It?

Revenge porn has been a growing issue in Canadian communities for several years, and our legislation is finally catching up. In 2015, Canada introduced a federal law called the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act. The law addresses many forms of online crimes, including revenge porn, cyberbullying and related offenses. This means revenge porn is now a punishable crime and offenders can spend up to five years in prison.

In August of 2017, Alberta followed Canada’s lead with its Protecting Victims of Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images Act (or Bill 202). According to the bill, anyone who “distributes an intimate image” by knowingly “publishing, transmitting, selling, advertising or otherwise making the image available to a person other than the person depicted in the image” is in violation of the law. Unlike the federal law, Bill 202 allows victims of revenge porn to claim monetary damages. Victims should contact a lawyer to discuss their options for civil recourse.

Alberta police are also becoming better equipped to catch these cybercriminals. Edmonton and Calgary each have units with technically trained officers dedicated to investigating online crimes, including revenge porn. Victims should visit a police station in their community or call their local police dispatch line to report the crime. t8n

Protect Yourself

Avoid sharing or storing nude or sexually explicit images of yourself. However, if you find an X-rated image of yourself online, immediately report the crime to the police. Contact the website directly and ask them to take down the image.

Did You Know?

Revenge porn isn’t the only form of online sexual abuse. Sextortion is a fast-growing Internet crime where someone threatens to digitally distribute your intimate images if you don’t send them more explicit photos or video, or perform sexual favours.